FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets safety Eric Smith was suspended for one game Monday by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Smith also was fined $50,000 by the league for what it called a flagrant violation of player safety rules.

Cardinals spokesman Mark Dalton said Boldin was fully mobile and was “resting comfortably at home” Monday.

ESPN: Davis discussing changes.

ESPN.com reported late Monday that Oakland coach Al Davis was meeting with three members of the coaching staff — offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, offensive line coach Tom Cable and consultant Paul Hackett. According to a source, the meetings were to discuss the possibility of replacing head coach Lane Kiffin.

Rams fire Linehan.

ST. LOUIS — After experiencing the wild highs and lows of the Mike Martz years, the winless St. Louis Rams opted for cool, calm, reserved Scott Linehan as their coach. On Monday, they fired Linehan after four consecutive lopsided losses to open the season.

Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, a fiery type and a polar opposite in terms of demeanor, was hired as interim coach, given the unenviable task of trying to revive a franchise that has become an NFL doormat. The Rams have lost 17 of their last 20 games, most of them routs.

Palmer says he will play.

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer expects to be limited in practice this week by a sore elbow on his passing arm, but he insists he’ll be ready for the Cowboys.

Palmer sat out a 20-12 loss to Cleveland on Sunday. He hurt his elbow in a loss to the Giants but stayed in that game and practiced for two days last week.

“I’ve already made up my mind I’m playing,” Palmer said.

The Bengals also expect to get a roster exemption for receiver Chris Henry, who has completed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s conduct policy.

Footnotes.

San Diego Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper vowed never to use supplements again, after returning from a four-game suspension imposed by the NFL for testing positive for a banned stimulant. Cooper led the Chargers with 179 tackles last season.

• Cornerback Terrence McGee needs more tests on his sprained left knee, leaving his status uncertain for the undefeated Bills’ upcoming game at Arizona.

• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers intends to play against Atlanta on Sunday despite a sprained shoulder that his coaches will be watching closely in practice.

• Seattle receiver and former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch participated in his first full practice since tearing the ACL in his left knee in a playoff loss at Green Bay. He will make his season debut Sunday against the Giants.

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